EARLY WARNING SIGNS YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE IS DANGEROUSLY HIGH (1 IN 5 DON’T KNOW THEY HAVE IT!)

High blood pressure or hypertension is a common health issue affecting both men and women. It occurs when blood flows through the arteries with higher than normal pressure. The total costs of this condition including medical treatments, health care and days off work reach nearly $46 billion annually. Patients with hypertension also have to use dangerous beta-blockers and ACE inhibitor drugs and diuretics. Aside from this, they have to significantly cut down their salt intake and make other necessary dietary changes.

Unfortunately, high blood pressure often goes undetected owing to the fact that it doesn’t give any warning signs, even when at a dangerously high level. However, headaches, chest pains, vision changes, tiredness, nosebleeds, ear noise or buzzing, and confusion can sometimes accompany this condition. Research has shown that on the average, people with hypertension live five years less than people with normal blood pressure.

The two different types of blood pressures include:

Systolic – blood pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood, and

Diastolic – the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.

Blood pressure ranges include:

Normal: lower than 120/80

Prehypertension: 120–139/80–89

Stage 1 high blood pressure: 140–159/90–99

Stage 2 high blood pressure: 160 and above/100 and above

Complications from high blood pressure

High blood pressure can be the main or contributing cause of death in many patients. Moreover, it triggers other serious health issues, including:

Blood flow to heart muscle and brain declines with age as a result of plague build up in the blood vessels.

Low blood pressure leads to lightheadedness and dizziness because there’s reduced blood supply to the brain.

10% – 20% of people over 65 suffer from postural hypotension or orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop of blood pressure. It appears when you suddenly rise from a sitting position. On the other hand, neural hypotension is a type of low blood pressure that occurs when standing for a long time.

In general, chronic low blood pressure with no symptoms is not serious.

Low blood pressure is usually given medical attention if it leads to the following:

Allergic reaction – anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening allergic reaction in people who are hypersensitive to certain foods such as peanuts, or drugs such as penicillin or to bee or wasp stings. Symptoms include swollen throat, itching, hives, breathing problems and a sudden drastic drop in blood pressure.

Nutritional deficiencies – anemia, for instance, is triggered by lack of vitamin B12 and folic acid. It cal also result in hypotension.

High Blood Pressure Symptoms Diet

High blood pressure, on the other hand, requires serious medical attention and necessary lifestyle changes including diet and physical activity.

Foods to Avoid

Sugar – Excessive sugar intake can be as dangerous as high salt intake when it comes to hypertension.

High sodium foods – Processed and canned foods with high sodium content should be avoided as much as possible.

Alcohol – Alcohol consumption also increases blood pressure because it narrows the arteries.

High-fiber food – Diet with foods high in fiber such as vegetables, seeds and fruits.

Tea – Regular consumption of white tea several times a day every day is highly recommended because this tea thins blood and strengthens arterial walls, thus regulating blood pressure and preventing stroke.

High-potassium foods – Potassium is extremely important for controlling blood pressure because it neutralizes the negative effects of sodium. Potassium-rich foods include bananas, avocados, coconut and melons.

Dark chocolate – It contains a minimum of 200 milligrams of cocoa phenols, which can also reduce blood pressure.

Apple cider vinegar – This common kitchen ingredient is high in potassium, which maintains the alkalinity in the body and it reduces blood pressure naturally.

Supplements for High Blood Pressure

Cocoa

Regular consumption of cocoa increases your intake of flavonols, which reduce blood pressure and improves blood flow to the heart and brain. It’s also a natural vasodilator, meaning it increases nitric oxide in blood and it widens blood vessels.

Fish oil

Regular intake of fish oil, which is abundant in EPA and DHA forms of omega-3 fatty acids, is extremely efficient in reducing inflammation, according to a number of studies. If suffering from high blood pressure, take 1,000 milligrams fish oil on a regular daily basis along with meals.

Garlic

If you can’t consume enough through food, you can take garlic supplements, which are available in pill and liquid form. This is another powerful vasodilator which reduces peripheral and central blood pressure.

Coenzyme Q10

This powerful antioxidant promotes heart health, and also lowers cholesterol levels. When taken in doses of 200 to 300 milligrams a day, it effectively reduces high blood pressure.

Magnesium

Magnesium is one of the most important minerals for heart health. For one thing, it naturally lowers blood pressure fast because it relaxes the blood vessels. Take 500 milligrams every day before going to bed.

Natural Remedies for High Blood Pressure

Essential oils

Essential oils are particularly beneficial for reducing blood pressure as well as emotional stress. They relax and dilate arteries and act as antioxidants which neutralize oxidative stress. Sweet marjoram, neroli ylan ylang, frankincense, and lavender essential oils are especially beneficial.

Regular exercise

Regular exercise of at least 20 minutes a day is essential for maintaining healthy weight and reducing blood pressure.

3. Reduce stress

Excessive exposure to stress is directly linked to high blood pressure. If you reduce your exposure to stress, your blood pressure will normalize instantly. Smoking, alcohol consumption and overeating should also be avoided. On the other hand, relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and healing prayer are strongly recommended.

High Blood Pressure Risk Factors & Root Causes

Inactivity

Lack of physical activity leads to higher heart rates, which means the heart has to work harder with each contraction. It also leads to obesity.

Race

African-Americans develop high blood pressure at an earlier age than Caucasians. They are also more susceptible to stroke, kidney failure and heart attack.